Jenny MilamWhen we talk about zodiac signs, it can seem like we’re making nothing but generalizations. Our birth charts are so complicated that talking about a person’s sun sign alone can’t perfectly describe them. So we deal in overarching, archetypal energies. We speak of widely known traits of each sign, in hopes that you’ll see yourself inside some of them.
That said, it can be easy to fall into using silly stereotypes as descriptors. And each sign has them. Below are some of the laziest, most inaccurate cliches that probably keep your eyes rolling when you read your horoscope.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Cliche: You lack impulse control.
Truth: You are fiery. And you definitely like to keep things moving, happily leading the charge if permitted. But that certainly doesn’t mean you’re reckless. There’s a difference between getting to the point and getting things done, and throwing all caution to the wind. You don’t lack impulse control. You hate procrastination.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Cliche: You’re lazy.
Truth: You enjoy the finer things in life, and your energy is certainly more relaxed than someone like an Aries or Sagittarius. But darn it, you work hard for what you’ve got. Taureans have an amazing work ethic, and are known for their stubborn and methodical approach to getting things done. You deserve to sit back and enjoy the fruits of all that labor.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Cliche: You’re two-faced, or unreliable.
Truth: You’re very conscious of other people’s feelings, Gemini, and go out of your way to make sure everyone in your sphere is happy. On the surface, your drive to appease everyone could give the impression that you’re not being authentic to your true self and, therefore, might not be reliable. But anyone who gets to know you for more than five minutes could see this is ridiculous.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Cliche: You’re a cry baby.
Truth: You’re deeply in touch with your own emotions, Cancer, as well as the emotions of others around you. Blame the moon for this one. But this makes you anything but emotionally unstable. You have high emotional intelligence, and are actually more in control of your outward emoting than stereotypes let on. You’ve got a tough shell, and aren’t easily upset by others.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Cliche: You’re an egomaniac.
Truth: You enjoy a bit of time in the spotlight, Leo. There’s no shame in that. But you’re also one of the most generous, big-hearted signs of the zodiac. You love to listen to people’s problems, give them advice, and make them feel like they’re the only people alive. When you shine your light on someone, it’s like giving them the warmth of the sun.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Cliche: You’re a control freak.
Truth: You thrive when things are orderly, Virgo, and like to keep communication concise. You’re analytical, and at times might be a bit hard on yourself, but that doesn’t mean you try to control everyone in your path. Your quirks might be a bit hard for some to interpret. But you just like things the way you like them. That doesn’t mean you’re immune to compromise.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Cliche: You’re wishy-washy.
Truth: You carefully weigh things out in your mind, Libra. You’re in a near-constant state of deliberation. This is because your curious mind longs to see every side of every story. This does not, however, mean you have no backbone or strength of character. And it doesn’t mean you’re unsatisfied or looking around for something better. When it comes to the important things in life, you know what you want.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Cliche: You’re jealous and obsessive.
Truth: Like all water signs, you feel things very deeply. Because you’re ruled by Pluto, you have no problem delving into the depths of your relationships (and your own psyche) and talking about the hard stuff. It takes a while for you to trust someone, but when you do, you do so with your whole heart and expect the same in return. That isn’t obsession or jealousy. That’s passion.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Cliche: You’re selfish or commitment-phobic.
Truth: You love people, and are very generous with your time and energy. And you’ll drop everything in a second for someone you love. But you also love your freedom, and the thrill you get from exploring new places and ideas. The issue is that you won’t settle for one or the other. You want your relationships, and you want your adventures. You just need to find your people—the ones who can appreciate both.
Capricorn (December 22-January 20)
Cliche: You have no emotions.
Truth: You may be introverted and reserved, and have a more pragmatic approach to life than many others. But that doesn’t mean you have no feelings, Capricorn. You’re deeply passionate about the life you’re building and the people within it. The fact that you don’t share every emotion with the world as it’s happening doesn’t mean you’re cold or stuck up. You just like your privacy.
Aquarius (January 21-February 20)
Cliche: You’re cold and don’t care about others.
Truth: You care deeply about others, and the entire world, in fact. No one can champion a cause for the downtrodden quite like you. You just don’t love delving into the sticky, uncomfortable intimacy of your feelings—especially in one-on-one situations. You approach things from a more intellectual, theoretical point of view, and you’re fiercely proud of your independence and self-sufficiency.
Pisces (February 21-March 20)
Cliche: You’re flaky.
Truth: You’re often in your own little dream world, Pisces, and sometimes you like it better in there. You have a more creative, eccentric view of reality than most. But just because you enjoy your fantasized view of the world, doesn’t mean you aren’t a loyal flesh and blood human. You love with your whole heart, and are the first to show up for a friend in a crisis.
Shea Lee
